Steve Six (D)
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline)-Kansas Attorney General Steve Six warned gas station operators Monday not to sell fuel that's been tampered with, or gasoline that is a lower octane level than advertised.
"During this challenging time of high and rising gas prices, Kansas consumers should get what they pay for," Six said.
"While most fuel stations follow the rules, we will be on the lookout for those who deceive the public by switching regular unleaded gasoline for a higher grade, improperly blending fuels, or that try to short them at the pump," the Democratic AG added.
The state Department of Agriculture, which oversees weights and measures, is investigating every complaint of gas fraud they receive, state Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky said.
For his part, Six said he is prepared to help investigate and prosecute gas station owners who misrepresent fuel products or shortchange consumers on fuel purchases.
So far, "no serious problems" with fuel quality or consumer deception have been identified, the attorney general said.
"It is important that we monitor the situation closely to maintain consumer confidence and protect fuel station owners who follow the rules," Six said.
The state tests the roughly 26,000 gas pumps for accuracy at least once every 18 months.
From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.